Reviewed by: Pamela Karpelenia
CONTRIBUTOR
Featuring: | Michael Fassbender … Macbeth Elizabeth Debicki … Lady Macduff Marion Cotillard … Lady Macbeth Sean Harris … Macduff David Thewlis … Duncan Jack Reynor … Malcolm Paddy Considine … Banquo David Hayman … Lennox Ross Anderson … Rosse See all » |
Director: | Justin Kurzel |
Producer: | See-Saw Films DMC Film |
Distributor: | ![]() The Weinstein Company |
The film opens with a funeral for the child of Macbeth (Michael Fassbender) and Lady Macbeth (Marion Cotillard). We then see Macbeth engage in a bloody battle, where he claims victory for King Duncan. He is soon visited by 3 women (witches), who claim Macbeth as the future King before they vanish. Filled with lust for power, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth plan to overthrow the King through murder, conspiracy and betrayal.
Michael Fassbender and Marion Cotillard are phenomenal. Their performances will keep you transfixed. They become Mac and Lady Macbeth on screen, truly well done. The story is a classic and, for a reason, changing the timeline was done with consideration of the source material. The supporting cast is great and fulfill the story well.
Now on to the objectionable content, there is plenty. There is extreme violence and blood and gore. There is several serious references to the occult/paganism and strong humanistic undertones. Catholicism is in the background, and is referenced many times. Shakespearen dialog has sexual undertones and other adult themes that may be missed by the general population. Suicide is shown.
There many references to religious themes, and the film shows guilt and conviction of sins. It shows that when a man follows his own way and does what is right in His eyes it will lead to destruction. However, it does not explain what that actually means—true repentance and turning from sin—trusting God who sent His Son as for all the sins of the world.
As for a recommendation, it’s a no go. It truly is consistent with the source material, and the acting is ideal, but the offensive and objectionable content won.
Violence: Extreme / Profanity: Moderate / Sex/Nudity: Heavy
See list of Relevant Issues—questions-and-answers.
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